Aspirin has many uses. An over the counter medication, aspirin typically used to reduce swelling, redness, pain, and fever, caused by various problems such as arthritis, infections, and headaches. In some cases, a physician will prescribe aspirin as a method for treating gout. Various studies have shown that aspirin can prevent blood clots as well as a stroke or heart attack. Some studies conducted have shown that aspirin can also work in preventing some forms of cancers.

Aspirin comes in several forms powders, tablets, suppositories, chewable tablets, capsules, and extended-release tablets. While it is an over the counter medication, readily available for use, if your physician prescribes aspirin for your treatment, you will need to take it exactly as prescribed.

While, aspirin works well to relieve pain and has been shown to reduce instances of stroke, heart attack, and even some cancers, you need to make sure you know the downsides of taking aspirin as well. Some people develop severe allergies to aspirin, which include ibuprofen, and should be discussed with your physician.

You should also be aware that some drugs might have adverse interactions when combined with aspirin. Some of these drugs include vitamins, valproic acid, Azid, methrotrexate, or any other medications prescribed for high blood pressure, gout, or diabetes. Some others include prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, cortisone, and blood thinners.

Of course, you should always talk to your physician about any possible disorders or ailments you currently have before taking aspirin such as nasal polyps, Hodgkin's disease, gout, liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, ulcers, bleeding problems, hemophilia, diabetes, or anemia. Pregnant women within their third trimester or those that are breastfeeding should avoid taking aspirin.

One week prior to any type of surgery, which includes dental work, you should avoid taking aspirin, because aspirin works to thin the blood. Non-coated aspirin can cause stomach upset so you could take it with food or milk.

As with all medications, aspirin has some side effects. Common side effects include stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea. Severe side effects includes ringing of the ears, hearing loss, black or bloody stools, skin rash, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, or breathing issues. Any of these severe side effects are cause to immediately contact your physician.

If you are a diabetic patient, you should know that if you are taking regular strength aspirin at eight tablets or more each day, it could have an affect on your urine sugar test results. You should speak with your physician about how you should properly monitor you sugar when taking an aspirin regimen.

While aspirin has it con's, it definitely has its pro's as well. Many lives have been saved by taking a small dose of aspirin on a daily basis.

Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Aspirin.